POPE'S MESSAGE STIMULUS FOR SCIENCE & CULTURE - SAY FIGURES

( Editorial: --> 5451 ) ZAGREB, Oct 4 (Hina) - The message of Pope John Paul II is a stimulus to Croatian scientists and cultural figures and an obligation to follow and realise the thoughts expressed in the message, several Croatian scientists and cultural figures said on Saturday evening after meeting with the Pope in Zagreb. To follow the Pope's message is guarantee of certain success, said Ivo Padovan, president of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences. University of Zagreb rector Branko Jeren said the Holy Father's message was a stimulus for science and culture and a great support to the Croatian people. In his message the Pope also reminds us that we have to forget the personal and think about the general, said Josip Bratulic, president of Matica Hrvatska, a Croatian cultural association. The Pope's message also indicates the basic ethic principles by which we have to live, said Marijan Biskup, dean of the Catholic Faculty of Theology. The president of the Croatian Writers' Association, Ante Stamac, expressed enthusiasm about the Pope's message and said that Croatians knew how to welcome Rome's bishops. The president of the "Lijepa Nasa" Friends of Nature Association, Ante Kutle, pointed out to the Pope's great care for nature. University of Split rector Ivo Babic also said that the Holy Father's message indicated the importance of harmony between culture and nature. The Pope's words are inspiring and binding, said Croatian Radio Television director Ivica Vrkic. (hina) ha 041047 MET oct 98